Tinder adds Instagram, friends of friends and more in latest update

Tinder has released a new update that allows users to link their Instagram account to the popular dating app. Up to this point, Tinder users have had to rely on Facebook to supply photos.

The inclusion means potential matches can check out the 34 most recent photos from a potential match. Those with a private Instagram account will be given the option to grant access to Tinder which will make the profile visible only via Tinder.

It’s the natural progression for Tinder considering the fact that a substantial percentage of users already provide their Instagram username in their profile.

The Tinder update further allows matches to see if they have any friends in common (first degree) and even if you and your match have two separate friends that also happen to be friends (second degree). What’s more, matches will have access to a complete list of Facebook interests.

Tinder co-founder and President Sean Rad said this is the first of many steps to take the recommendations engine to the next level and help users access the person they’re matching with and start conversations.

The popular dating app is responsible for 26 million pairings each day. The app is subjected to plenty of competition but thus far, none have been able to replicate Tinder’s success. Rad said what they all miss is that Tinder is about a community and that its users, not features, define its success. If someone really wants to unseat Tinder, they need to do something 10 steps better at which time Rad said he will welcome it.